The Fifth Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption ends today in Panama City

VIENNA, 29 November 2013 - PANAMA CITY/VIENNA, 29 November (UN Information Service) - "The rule of law, governance, profits and livelihoods all suffer from corruption's corrosive effects. We all have a stake in ending corruption," said the Director of the Division for Treaty Affairs of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, John Sandage, in his speech at the closing ceremony of the world's largest biennial anti-corruption gathering.

Mr. Sandage said that the resolutions passed in the five days of the conference would help lay the groundwork for strengthening partnerships to prevent and combat corruption. He also highlighted the role of young people saying they were a "valuable resource and potential source for change".

"The importance of the next generation in fostering a change of values, and ensuring that respect for the rule of law and integrity can flourish, was acknowledged by the resolution on promoting the participation of young people and children in efforts to prevent corruption," noted Mr. Sandage.

On the issue of match-fixing, Mr. Sandage said: "Recent allegations of match-fixing in football highlight the need for us to use UNCAC to help build a culture of integrity, while also confronting this issue as a transnational crime. The illegal sports betting, which is helping to fuel this crime must also be strongly opposed."

Six resolutions and three decisions were passed during the conference, including on the private sector, education, and enhancing international cooperation.

Mr. Sandage paid special tribute to the President of the Conference, Abigail Benzadón Cohen, for guiding the proceedings, and thanked the Panamanian government who sponsored the conference.

The UN Convention against Corruption is driven by a Review Mechanism that, in its first four years, has trained 1,400 anti-corruption experts; helped 35 States amend their legislation; and is leading a unique global discussion promoting good governance, transparency and accountability.

In 2015, the Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption will launch the second review cycle at the 6th Session of the Conference of the States Parties to be held in the Russian Federation.